A longtime fan of the franchise, young J.J. saw the film Phantasm as a child and it stuck with him. So much so that the name of the character "Captain Phasma" was created as a direct tribute to the horror flick. (Phasma's helmet reminded Abrams of the iconic chrome, brain drilling spheres the film had become famous for).
While doing "Felicity", Abrams called Phantasm's writer/director/photographer/editor/co-producer Don Coscarelli because he wanted to show Phantasm at his production company "Bad Robot". Coscarelli informed Abrams that the original prints were in bad shape. This prompted Abrams to offer an opportunity for a meticulous 4k restoration with a new 5.1 audio soundtrack, an offer Coscarelli could not and did not refuse.
Phantasm, the first of four films, follows our hero Mike (Michael Baldwin) as he investigates a series of deaths in his small town. Soon realizing the local mortician known only as The Tall Man (Angus Scrimm) is re-animating the dead to serve as his minions. Mike, seeking help from his brother Jody (Bill Thornburry) and ice cream man Reggie (Reggie Banister) tries to defeat The Tall Man while avoiding his minions and deadly silver spheres.
Phantasm: Remastered will screen in select cinemas on September 24th. This will preced the October 7th release of Phantasm: Ravanger as the 5th and final instalment in the series bringing closure to a franchise just shy of 40 years old. I for one will celebrate this occasion in honor of the film's heavy, Angus Scrimm who passed away in January earlier this year. Scrimm was truely terrifying in the role of The Tall Man whose performance was a towering achievement in horror film history.
Movie times and participating cities can be viewed on the website: Phantasm.com